Malaria and Anaemia in Children in Kumasi, Ghana
Author Information
Author(s): Ronald Lisa A, Kenny Sarah L, Klinkenberg Eveline, Akoto Alex O, Boakye Isaac, Barnish Guy, Donnelly Martin J
Primary Institution: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
Is there a consistent difference in malaria prevalence between two communities in Kumasi, Ghana, over time?
Conclusion
The study found that malaria prevalence and anaemia rates are significantly higher in Moshie Zongo compared to Manhyia, indicating the importance of malaria as a cause of anaemia in this urban population.
Supporting Evidence
- Prevalences of P. falciparum, clinical malaria, anaemia, and stunting were significantly higher in Moshie Zongo compared to Manhyia.
- Population attributable risks of anaemia were 16.5% due to P. falciparum and 7.6% due to malnutrition.
- Risk factors for P. falciparum infection included older age, rural travel, and lower socioeconomic status.
Takeaway
In one part of Ghana, kids living in one neighborhood are much more likely to get malaria and be anaemic than kids in a nearby neighborhood.
Methodology
A cross-sectional house-to-house survey was conducted to assess malaria and anaemia prevalence among children.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias regarding antimalarial use and overestimation of malaria prevalence due to the nature of the diagnostic tests used.
Limitations
The study may have limited power to assess differences in other factors due to sample size calculations focused on P. falciparum prevalence.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 1 to 9 years from two communities in Kumasi, Ghana.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 9.5–23.3 for P. falciparum attributable risk of anaemia
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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